The conference, which will be held on 4-6 March in Dubai, will have the central topic of universities' role in creating knowledge economies.

Eric Thomas, president of Universities UK, and Colin Riordan, vice-chancellor of the University of Cardiff, will be among the speakers.

Discussion topics will include: "'Soft Power': higher education and cultural diplomacy"; "how to create globally skilled young entrepreneurs" and "do universities have a moral obligation to drive change for stability and societal good?"

The event, for which Times Higher Education is a media partner, will also see the launch of THE's 2013 World Reputation Rankings.

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In addition to the THE rankings, another four major pieces of research will be presented at the conference:

- a study by the British Council, consultancy firm Booz Allen Hamilton and Ipsos, the market research organisation, on the cultural skills that global employers require

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- A report by the British Council on the "social and economic impact of transnational education on host countries and index of future transnational opportunities"

- A survey by the British Council about students' perceptions of barriers to leaving the UK, Australia and USA

- A report by the University Alliance mission group on how changes to higher education in the UK will affect future graduates' employability

Martin Davidson, the British Council's chief executive, said: "We have created a diverse programme to respond to some of the current key challenges affecting higher education and skills around the world, and I look forward to the stimulating discourse."

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david.matthews@tsleducation.com